by Nicholas Duck
Now that's a big win.
Warragul's hunt for a long-awaited finals appearance took a massive step on Saturday as they secured their third straight win, taking down fellow top five challenger Morwell by 34 points.
The Gulls were harder around the ball for longer and took their chances to walk away from Morwell Recreation Reserve as winners 13.13 (91) to 7.15 (57), moving into the five at the Tigers' expense in the process.
It's a far cry from the last time the two met back in round two, where Morwell practically bullied Warragul at the contest, piling on the first seven goals to have the game done and dusted early.
This time around it was a much different Gulls side finding the edge they needed to get the four points in what could turn out to be a classic 'eight-point game' in the run home to finals.
Six goals to two in the second quarter was especially important to Warragul's win, giving them a platform to eventually lead by as many as 42 points late in the day.
Morwell didn't help themselves with their accuracy of course. The Tigers forgot their kicking boots, missing several simple shots at goal and suffering the full consequences.
The Gulls won or were relatively even in most stats other than marks (61-92) and the free kick count, which they lost 25-45.
Defender Sean Masterson (seven marks) was again at his brilliant best for the Gulls, getting a fist or a mark to a tonne of Tiger kicks and frustrating the Morwell forwards all day.
Jordan Stewart provided an excellent target up forward, clunking several contested marks and kicking four first half goals.
Tom Hobbs (23 disposals) connected well with big ruck Sam Whibley (25 hit outs) through the middle, as VFL-listed star Will Hayes (37 disposals) and young Rory Nettle showed their class.
It was a down day for plenty of Morwell players, but recruit Maclan McInnes was able to put together one of his finest performances in the yellow and black to date primarily in the backline.
Stephen Mills, Zachary Anderson, Dan Musil and Joshua Galea all also flew the flag for the home side on a tough day at the office.
Needing a good start to banish the demons of round two, the Gulls were off to the races within a minute when Jordan Stewart brought down a great grab in the goal square for the day's first.
Morwell set their unfortunate tone in front of goal not long after when ruck Isaac Abas missed a set shot from 15 metres out, only for Stewart to again mark and goal moments later to take full toll.
Vinnie Caia made it three from a holding the ball free kick, pumping his first in celebration and roaring to his teammates.
While Abas made up for his previous miss to get Morwell on the board, goals to Stewart again and Isaac Wallace after the quarter time break gave the Gulls a fair lead to play with.
Morwell threatened to work their way into the game after a goal to coach Boyd Bailey put them within 15 points. But the Gulls responded in turn, consecutive majors from Zac Stewart, Jordan Stewart and Nettle on the run put their lead out beyond 30 points at the main break.
And when Caleb McIntosh and Will Hayes booted the first two of the third term, suddenly Warragul were in the box seat for their third consecutive win.
Morwell gave some resistance, namely through spearhead Brandon McDonald finally hitting the scoreboard in the last.
Despite that, it was Warragul's day, as finals now become a more realistic chance for the club.
With a match to come this week against Sale, who they thumped by 69 points last time around, momentum is building around the boys in red and black.
Morwell, meanwhile, are going to be up against it when they host reigning premiers Traralgon to try and keep touch with the five.
Coach Jed Lamb was delighted with his side's form, declaring it was an exciting position for his team to be in.
"The boys were huge. We spoke before the game about how important it was. We got a big touch up last time in the midfield and clearances and we turned that around to our advantage," he said.
"I've been saying to the boys don't get too high, don't get too low. Don't take for granted the position we're in, it's a really exciting opportunity and it's been a long time since we've had something to play for this deep into a season."